Citrus College softball’s postseason run ended Saturday after Saddleback rallied for two wins to take the series in the 3C2A Southern California Regional.
Citrus entered the day needing one more win after a walk-off victory in Friday’s opener, but Saddleback quickly shifted the momentum.
In game two on May 2, Saddleback set the tone early with a three-run first inning. Citrus answered in the second when Miranda McKiernan delivered a two-run home run to cut the deficit to one. Saddleback added another run and kept the Owls off the board the rest of the way to secure a 4-2 win and even the series.
The deciding game three later that day followed a similar pattern. Saddleback jumped ahead again, scoring four runs in the first inning to put Citrus in an early hole. The Owls responded, stringing together timely hits and capitalizing on mistakes to tie the game at 4-4.
The momentum did not last. Saddleback regained control in the third inning on a two-run home run and held Citrus scoreless the rest of the way to close out a 6-4 victory.
Citrus threatened late but could not break through, leaving opportunities on base as Saddleback’s pitching settled in.
The loss ends a strong season for the Owls, who finish 28-15 overall, their highest win total in more than a decade.
